Some estimates say balloting could cost the state as much as $80 million. Critics call it a power grab by Schwarzenegger.

SACRAMENTO  Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today called a statewide special election for November  a high-risk gamble that he can leverage his popular appeal to pass proposals that the Legislature has failed to address.

The Nov. 8 election would be just the fifth of its kind in California history.

With the peoples help, there will be reform, he announced on live television. Our broken state government will be modernized and revitalized.

The measures Schwarzenegger backed that have qualified for the ballot would give the governor power to unilaterally cut spending in times of a budget shortfall, impanel a trio of retired judges to redraw legislative districts in mid-decade and require teachers to work longer to earn tenure.

The following is the prepared text Governor Schwarzenegger's address to Californians announcing his decision to call a special statewide election in November 8, 2005:"Good evening.

When you elected me governor, I made a promise. I said I would put California's financial house in order and reform a government that no longer listened to the people.

The most important thing we did last year was to save this state from bankruptcy... and we let the world know that California was once again open for business.

Today, our economy is growing, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs.Revenues are up.

We're putting money back into roads and transportation. Most important, we are investing more money in education than ever in our history - three billion dollars more for education this year, fifty billion dollars total. Education spending is up eight percent this year.

But serious problems remain. We cannot continue a budget system that automatically spends a dollar ten for every dollar we take in.

Without reform, we are destined to relive the past all over again- 22 billion dollar deficits, higher car taxes, and the threat of bankruptcy.

Some politicians say the answer is to raise taxes. They say, "Bring back the car tax, Arnold. Raise the income tax. Get rid of Prop 13."

But I say no. I did not come to Sacramento and you did not send me here to repeat the mistakes of the past.

I know some people say, "Arnold, why not wait until next year? Why have a special election now?"

But how can we just stand around while our debt grows each year by billions of dollars? If you break your arm, you don't wait until your next physical. You get it fixed now.

That's why I say don't wait until next year or the year after because every year we're adding billions of dollars in new debt.

Even if we reach a bipartisan agreement in the Legislature to bring about reform, constitutionally the people must still vote. There must still be an election.

People ask about the cost of the election. Well, do the math: for a buck and a quarter per citizen, you can fix a broken system and save the state billions of dollars. Now remember this is your money. That is a fantastic bargain!

In my state of the state speech in January, I said that if the Legislature did not act on reforms this year, the people of California would.

The people are the ones who wield the power. The people are the ones who can cut through the chains of politics and the past. It is from the people that a democracy gets its strength.And millions of people have signed the petitions to reform the budget, education and redistricting.

Today was decision day, the deadline for a special election this November.

With those millions of people who signed petitions standing behind me, today I signed an executive order calling for a special election.

I still hope the Legislature will join me, and we can go to the ballot together with a bipartisan plan.

Last year we accomplished so much because we worked together, Republicans and Democrats alike.

But one way or another, with the people's help, there will be action this year.With the people's help there will be reform.

But how can we just stand around while our debt grows each year by billions of dollars?

The only reason we have the debt for general fund spending is because Arnold himself pushed Proposition 58, $15 billion in bonds (that were otherwise unconstitutional). He has $3 billion in bonds left, which he can choose not to spend. All he needs to do is use his veto pen, something he apparently doesn't have the backbone to do or fears it will effect his popularity.

Just keep your promise, Arnold: Cut, Cut, Cut. You don't need any new propositions to do that.

I, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of the State of California, pursuant to Article II, Section 8(c) of the California Constitution, and Section 12000 of the Elections Code, do hereby proclaim and order that a statewide special election shall be held on the 8th day of November, 2005, to submit to the voters the following qualified initiative measures:

The following initiative measures are currently before the Secretary of State pending the verification of petition signatures. A number of these measures may qualify for the special election to be held November 8, 2005:

I believe the prompt consideration of Measure 1131. State Spending, by the voters is vital to the ability of the people to control their destiny and decide matters of immediate importance to Californias future.

Although steadily improving, Californias budget is still in crisis. To solve the State budget's continuing structural deficit, we must consider reform of the way the government spends its money. Measure 1131. State Spending, will allow voters to consider a new approach to state spending that overrides automatic formulas.

The funds necessary to pay the claims of local agencies arising from their costs incurred to conduct the special statewide election shall be included in the State Budget for the 2006-2007 fiscal year, or in an earlier enacted claims bill.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 13th day of June, 2005.

That's why I say don't wait until next year or the year after because every year we're adding billions of dollars in new debt.

I don't understand how folks let him get away with such blatant lies. The only way we can add debt is if the voters agree to it. Arnold said he would cut up the credit cards, but instead masks new debt in spending reform initiative. If Gray Davis had tried to pull this cr@p, we would have him lynched!

Public Safety: Reallocates up to 10 percent of a sales tax from 1994s Proposition 172 or about $30 million a year to Orange County firefighters, most of which now goes to the sheriff and district attorney.WHOS AFFECTED: Orange County sheriffs and prosecutors lose funding that the local initiative would pay to firefighters.GETTING INVOLVED: Proponents: Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, www.ocpfa3631.org. Opponents: Orange Sheriffs deputies www.aocds.org.

How often does California have "special elections"? Given the zillions of people in California and how much money it will cost to have them all vote, wouldn't it be easier to put this stuff on the ballot in a REGULAR election? They must have some local elections in 2005 (mayoral, etc.) And all you have to do is wait til November 2006 for midterm elections...

25
posted on 06/13/2005 8:35:27 PM PDT
by BillyBoy
(Find out the TRUTH about the Chicago Democrat Machine's "Best Friend" in the GOP - www.NOLaHood.com)

"I know some people say, "Arnold, why not wait until next year? Why have a special election now?"

But how can we just stand around while our debt grows each year by billions of dollars? If you break your arm, you don't wait until your next physical. You get it fixed now.

That's why I say don't wait until next year or the year after because every year we're adding billions of dollars in new debt.

Even if we reach a bipartisan agreement in the Legislature to bring about reform, constitutionally the people must still vote. There must still be an election.

People ask about the cost of the election. Well, do the math: for a buck and a quarter per citizen, you can fix a broken system and save the state billions of dollars. Now remember this is your money. That is a fantastic bargain!"

Schwarzenegger Calls for Special Nov. Vote

Schwarzenegger Calls for Special November Election to Address Governmental Change

By TOM CHORNEAU

The Associated Press

Jun. 13, 2005 - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday called a special election for November to try to change the way California spends money, picks its politicians and hires its teachers.

He said the election would continue momentum from the historic 2003 recall that brought him to power, saying he was elected to put "California's financial house in order and reform a government that no longer listened to the people."

"I did not come to Sacramento, and you did not send me here, to repeat the mistakes of the past," he said in a brief broadcast address from his Capitol office.

"I know some people say, 'Arnold, why not wait until next year? Why have a special election now?' But how can we just stand around while our debt grows each year by billions of dollars? If you break your arm, you don't wait until your next physical. You get it fixed now."

Schwarzenegger argues that the issues he is bringing to the voters are critical to breaking the grip that public employee unions hold on the Capitol and fixing budget problems in a state where multibillion-dollar budget deficits are the norm.

The most controversial of Schwarzenegger's three proposals is a spending cap that would impose automatic cuts if revenues fall below projected income. It would do away with a voter-approved 2000 measure that sets a minimum funding requirement for public schools.

He also wants legislative and congressional districts to be drawn by a panel of retired judges, which Schwarzenegger hopes will send more moderates to Sacramento. And he wants to extend from two years to five the amount of time teachers would have to work to get tenure.

The state's Democratic leaders reacted swiftly to the address, saying Schwarzenegger has failed to negotiate with them and instead has spent his time raising millions of dollars for the special election.

"After months of name-calling, finger-pointing and scapegoating, we have come to this point. Tonight, the governor pulled the trigger on a special election no one needs and very few Californians even want," Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez said.

Schwarzenegger has complained that the Democrats who control the Legislature have been unwilling to negotiate.

His supporters are touting a fourth measure that would restrict the use of union dues for political purposes. If approved, it would dry up a huge source of campaign money for Democrats.

"This is a referendum on the future of California," said Rusty Hammer, president of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. "Are we going to fundamentally reform the state? That's the issue."

Critics said there is no urgent need to hold a costly special election this year, saying Schwarzenegger's initiatives could wait for the next regularly scheduled election, in 2006. A recent poll that shows a majority of voters are opposed to a special election, estimated to cost anywhere from $45 million to $80 million.

"'Wasteful' is the only word for a November special election. No initiative is so urgent that it can't wait until next June's normally scheduled election," Democratic Sen. Jackie Speier said.

Schwarzenegger and Democrats could still compromise on key parts of the governor's agenda even if he called for the election. Under that scenario, an election still would go forward Nov. 8, but the two sides would campaign together in support of the compromise initiatives and against those originally placed on the ballot.

Schwarzenegger has had success in taking his initiatives straight to the voters. He persuaded the state last year to approve $15 billion in borrowing to pay down its debt after barnstorming California and blitzing the airwaves with commercials.

I, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of the State of California, pursuant to Article II, Section 8(c) of the California Constitution, and Section 12000 of the Elections Code, do hereby proclaim and order that a statewide special election shall be held on the 8th day of November, 2005, to submit to the voters the following qualified initiative measures:

Not all jurisdictions in this state have elections in 2005. Also, regular off-year elections have traditionally low turn-out. $80 million is nothing compared to what the democrats in Sacto would spend if we waited another 17 months to vote on these issues. It's worth the money to do it this fall.

There is ONE reason Arnold HAS to have a special election, and he HAS to get his spending reform package passed. It buries a bunch of new debt to pay back all the promised education and transportation funds that he has raided, and will continue to raid for another year. This measure includes paying those back over a 15 year period, instead of over the next several years as required by current law. They add up to about $10 Billion. If he doesn't pass it, he will have to face tax increases or finally cut the budget. It's the new credit card he is applying for (since he promised to cut up all the others).

Provides that future overappropriations may be counted as one-time funding, which would not raise the base upon which future Proposition 98 calculations are made.

Requires the payment of settle-up obligations for years prior to 2004-05 to be paid within 15 years.

Converts the 2005-06 outstanding maintenance factor to a one-time obligation that is required to be paid within 15 years.

(snip)

Proposal This measure prohibits the suspension of Proposition 42 transfers after 2006-07. The total amount of transfers that were suspended through June 30, 2007 would be paid within 15 years, at an annual rate of no less than one-fifteenth of the cumulative amount owed. The measure also permits the Legislature to authorize the issuance of bonds by the state or local agencies that are secured by the payments of suspended Proposition 42 transfers.

Bull roar!!! It was the Moderate RINO "Reardon" Repellicans who wouldn't support Simon that let Davis get re-elected! Buncha sore-headed, wrong-headed LOSERS!!!

The "Conservatives" in the valley and especially the foothills, (like me) voted for a consistent conservative, but even the whitehouse wouldn't support Simon with money at Parsky's direction!!! They were still pist about Reardon gettin beat in the primary.

Don't be tryin to re-write CA's political history, ok??? I'm surprised Arnold is actually going ahead with this, although I see he's flinched at directly supporting the "Paycheck Protection" for public EE Unions. Where did the timid "tenure" measure pop up from?

Most important, we are investing more money in education than ever in our history - three billion dollars more for education this year, fifty billion dollars total. Education spending is up eight percent this year.

And remember, this is the same education system that gave you the Simpson, Blake, and Jackson jurists.

Jesse Ventura did!!! I guess Arnold is just following suit... But it's fun to see someone, even a shallow celebrity trying to do something... ANYTHING against these CA Public Employee Union Thugs, for once!

Prop 226 came really close in June 1998, but it also stirred the public union political animals up to the point of getting Davis elected and owning him outright from the get-go!!!

Well... That's just WONDERFUL!!! The El Dorado County "thugs" have direct accest to Board of Supervisor members and sit on the Charter Committee and it's exactly like "the inmates running the damned asylam!!!"

Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.